DT’s weekly entertainment show, Between the Streams, is your guide to all of the hottest, most important, and (of course) dumbest new developments in streaming and entertainment, providing a handy recap of the week that was, and a preview for what’s ahead. Follow us here every Friday at 2 p.m. PT, or add us via RSS, iTunes, or Stitcher at the links below to take BtS on the road!
Somewhere in the back offices of Warner Bros.’ studios, Diane Nelson and Geoff Johns, the top dogs of DC Entertainment, are pulling back on a couple of long, celebratory drinks — and breathing sighs of relief. That’s because their latest gambit in the critically maligned DC Cinematic Universe, Wonder Woman, has been heralded as a success on all fronts. To be sure, DC and the WB have had no trouble reaping piles of money from popcorn powerhouses Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, Suicide Squad, and the improbably dour first installment, Man of Steel, and the films also have millions of die-hard defenders.
But it’s no secret that each of the first three films based around top-tier comics properties have received an unprecedented amount of bad press and ridicule for their sloppy production, simpleton dialogue and storytelling, and uneven tone colors that seem to change like chameleon skin against the superhero backdrop. But no more.
Thanks to one incredibly powerful, beautiful, and charismatic woman, Gal Gadot, along with a solidly crafted narrative from director Patty Jenkins, and the well-employed comedic chops of WW sidekick Chris Pine, DC’s latest installment has done something none of its previous films could muster: Namely, stand on even ground with entries from its comic counterpart, Marvel Studios. We’ll start today’s show by talking about what having Wonder Woman become a hit means to both DC and the impossibly saturated superhero film marketplace, and just how great Gal Gadot really is as the Amazonian superwoman.
But it’s not all Wonder Woman today (despite our lengthy intro regarding the smash hit). We’ll have plenty more to talk about in the world of entertainment, from the cancellation of Netflix cult favorite Sense8, to the new trailer for the star-packed, Kenneth Branagh-led remake of Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express.
One of the most intriguing moments in the entertainment world this week, however, came seemingly out of nowhere from a filmmaker whose reputation proceeds him just enough to make this wacky tale one of the most interesting trailers we’ve seen in months. We’re speaking of Steven Soderbergh’s new crime farce, Logan Lucky, which will rely on a Herculean cast that includes Adam Driver teaming up with Channing Tatum as down-on-their-luck brothers in Appalachia. The cast is filled out with an impressive array of actresses, including Katherine Waterston (Alien: Covenant), Katie Holmes, Hillary Swank, and Riley Keough. But the kicker in the colorful new trailer is James Bond himself, Daniel Craig, playing a redneck convict. Frankly, we could watch him spit vitriol in his angry Southern accent all day.
Speaking of Hillary Swank (she was mentioned), did you know she’s in a new FX drama about a kidnapping that stars screen legend Donald Sutherland and screen not-so-legend Brendan Fraser. Weird, right? The coming series about the kidnapping of an oil baron’s son, called Trust, keeps getting more interesting. The fact that the show is being produced by Trainspotting filmmaker Danny Boyle (who will also direct the first episode) doesn’t hurt either.
There’s plenty more to talk about this week, and we’ll be covering the full gamut. Other topics we’ll touch on include updates about the increasingly growing scope of Stranger Things season 2, a trio of new indie films hitting theaters (and the web), the odd choice for the Uncharted film series, Godzilla vs. King Kong news, Curb Your Enthusiasm season 9 updates, and much more.
So tune in at 2 p.m. PT, or take our podcast on the road via the links above!
It doesn't feel like long since the start of summer, but believe it or not, Halloween is right around the corner. As the dark nights roll in, fall is the perfect time for Gothic novels, spooky horror movies, and, of course, hauntingly good podcasts -- mug of pumpkin-spiced chai optional. There are plenty of scary podcasts to choose from, whether you're looking for fictional dramas or strange-but-true tales of things going bump in the night. Whatever you're h(a)unting for, you'll find something in our list of the best scary podcasts. And if you're looking for something that won't leave you cowering under the covers, check out our roundup of the best podcasts.
Audio drama/fiction
The No Sleep Podcast
This award-winning anthology of short original horror stories is now in its 18th season, with over 500 episodes to listen to. Each episode has a haunting, atmospheric soundtrack that ensures you're truly immersed in the tale. Be warned, though -- as the name suggests, this is definitely not a podcast to listen to in bed unless you plan on staying awake all night.
Apple Podcasts Stitcher
It's no secret that Spotify has its sights set on total podcast domination, given its high-profile acquisition of The Joe Rogan Experience podcast, along with several exclusive launches like The Michelle Obama Podcast and one that features the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, better known as Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. But the streaming music giant is still looking for additional ways to attract both listeners and podcast creators to its platform, and its latest move is the introduction of podcast polls and Q&As.
If you're a podcast creator, polls and Q&As give you a free way to increase your engagement with your audience. Normally, a listener has few ways to directly interact with their favorite podcasts, given that most platforms like Google Podcasts and Apple Podcasts are essentially no more than a way to find, subscribe to, and play podcast episodes. With Spotify's new tools, podcasts become interactive, with polls and the ability to ask listeners questions, right on the episode page.
Apple will make podcasts a more integral part of its ecosystem with the launch of Apple Podcasts+, a subscription-based service that will offer exclusive podcasts only available to subscribers, along with the wider library of shows available on its existing podcasts app. The entire Apple Podcasts app will also get a redesign, as announced during the Spring Loaded event on April 20.
The premium Podcasts+ service will launch in May with several new shows only available to Podcasts+ subscribers. Along with receiving additional curation options and recommendations for subscribers in the redesigned app via Channels, Podcasts+ subscribers will also enjoy ad-free listening settings, early access to certain shows, and more, yet-to-be-announced features.